A Modern Spin on a Classic: "Snow White" (2025) Offers Enchanting Musicality, Empowering Themes, and a Star-Making Performance by Rachel Zegler

Disney’s latest foray into the realm of live-action remakes arrives with Marc Webb’s musical adaptation of "Snow White," a project laden with expectations as high as the Enchanted Forest’s tallest trees. Tasked with reimagining a foundational piece of cinematic history – the groundbreaking 1937 animated classic that launched Disney’s animation empire – this new "Snow White" navigates a tricky path. It strives to honor the original’s enduring charm while forging its own identity for a contemporary audience. The result is a film that, while not without its flaws, delivers a genuinely endearing spin on the familiar tale, elevated by Rachel Zegler’s captivating performance as the titular princess.

The shadow of the 1937 "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" looms large. That film wasn’t just a cartoon; it was a cultural phenomenon, the first feature-length animated fairytale ever produced in the United States. Its simplicity, driven by the technological limitations of the time, resonated deeply with audiences. To expect this live-action version to perfectly replicate that experience is not only unrealistic but also misses the point. This is a different era, demanding a different approach.

Erin Cressida Wilson’s screenplay wisely avoids a slavish recreation, instead opting to expand upon the original’s narrative framework. This allows for a more nuanced exploration of Snow White’s character and motivations. Zegler portrays Snow White with a captivating blend of innocence and naivety, qualities that gradually evolve into a stronger, more assertive form of empowerment. This isn’t a "girlboss" caricature, but rather a believable evolution of character. She retains her inherent kindness and compassion while actively shaping her own destiny.

The romance between Snow White and Jonathan, a bandit from her village played with charming charisma by Andrew Burnap, also benefits from this updated approach. Their "meet-cute" feels more genuine, their connection more grounded. This isn’t just a damsel waiting for a prince; it’s a young woman finding love with someone who challenges her worldview and shares her desire for a better kingdom.

Webb, known for his ability to capture the complexities of love in films like "500 Days of Summer" and "The Amazing Spider-Man," brings a deft touch to the romantic elements. He infuses the relationship between Snow and Jonathan with a sense of old Hollywood chemistry, evoking the timeless charm of films like "It Happened One Night," "Shall We Dance," "The Princess Bride," and even "Aladdin." Their heartfelt connection makes them easy to root for, transforming this latest Disney live-action adaptation into a sweeping musical romance.

The musicality of the film is another significant strength. While iconic songs from the original, such as "I’m Wishing," "One Song," and "Someday My Prince Will Come," are absent, the new compositions by Pasek and Paul capture the timeless feeling of romance and adventure that propelled classic Hollywood musicals. Numbers like "Princess Problems" are both catchy and thematically relevant, while the duet "A Hand Meets a Hand" between Zegler and Burnap is a standout, showcasing their vocal talents and their undeniable chemistry. Choreographer Mandy Moore adds another layer of visual flair, creating dynamic and engaging dance sequences that enhance the storytelling.

However, the film is not without its shortcomings. The visual effects used to create the CG Dwarfs are, unfortunately, a major misstep. While they avoid the "dead-eyed" look of some previous CG Disney characters, they still fall into the uncanny valley, appearing unsettling and distracting. Although the voice cast does a commendable job of capturing the Dwarfs’ endearing energy, their attempts to give the Dwarfs more involved roles, including fantastical abilities connected to the gemstones they mine, feel underdeveloped and ultimately unsatisfying.

Another area where the film falters is in the portrayal of the Evil Queen. While Gal Gadot is undeniably beautiful, her performance lacks the necessary diva-like presence and commanding villainy to truly embody the iconic role. Her musical numbers, particularly the Queen’s new villain song "All Is Fair," feel strained and unconvincing. The excessive use of cutaways during these scenes suggests that Gadot’s vocal performance may have required significant post-processing, further detracting from the overall impact.

These missteps are unfortunately becoming a recurring theme in Disney’s live-action remakes. Even films considered among the best, such as "Cinderella," have faced criticism for removing beloved songs, while "Beauty and the Beast" was plagued by Auto-Tuned vocals.

Despite these flaws, "Snow White" ultimately succeeds in delivering an enchanting musical with an empowering message. It encourages viewers to stand with their people against vain and evil tyrants, a theme that resonates particularly well in the current social climate.

The film’s willingness to embrace new songs and create a fresh storybook romance for a new generation is commendable. It reminds us that wishes can come true, and that they can even come with a prince, if one is open to the possibilities.

While Disney’s track record with live-action remakes remains inconsistent, "Snow White" hits a decently charming note. It may not win over all the franchise’s detractors, but it offers a glimpse of what’s possible when these remakes dare to be more than just pale imitations of their animated predecessors.

Ultimately, "Snow White" is a showcase for Rachel Zegler, who truly earns her place as this generation’s Snow White. Her captivating performance, combined with the film’s empowering themes and engaging musical numbers, makes this a worthwhile cinematic experience, even with its imperfections. The film successfully modernizes a classic tale while retaining its heart, leaving audiences with a renewed appreciation for the enduring power of fairytales. As we look ahead to future live-action adaptations like "Lilo & Stitch" and "Tangled," "Snow White" serves as a reminder that the key to success lies in honoring the spirit of the original while embracing the potential for innovation and reinvention. Zegler’s contribution is certain to make future adaptations and retellings better through her star-making role.